Hizbul doves decide to float a new flock

‘‘Dar, along with Yazdani and I have decided to form a new group. We will address a press conference in the Valley soon,’’ said Fateh.

Yazdani, a former Hizbul divisional commander in south Kashmir, also spoke to The Indian Express: ‘‘(Pak-based supremo) Salah-ud-din Hizbul Mujahideen ki thekedari ka dava nahin kar sakte.’’

‘‘Now we have left everything to the masses to decide who should be the true representative of Kashmir,’’ said Fateh. Without naming Salah-ud-din, he criticised him for enjoying a ‘‘luxurious life’’ at the cost of the lives of the people.

When asked if this new group will contest elections, Fateh declined to comment. ‘‘You will come to know about it on D-day (during our press conference),’’ he said.

Dar, Yuzdani and Fateh, were part of the five-member Hizbul top brass who had held talks with New Delhi in July 2000 after the group came up with a surprise unilateral three-month ceasefire with the Centre.

Sources said the new group, led by Dar, will include former Hizbul commanders, whom Dar is said to be in close contact with over the past few days. There is also speculation that some political workers, angry with the Hurriyat, will join hands with them. At the press conference, Dar is expected to announce the problems that led to his differences with Salah-ud-din.